Silicon Valley and the Research Triangle are home to the world’s top technology companies, creating two highly sought-after residential real estate markets. Our best and brightest may reside on opposite coasts 3,000 miles apart, but it is a universal luxury to live and play right in the middle of their respective innovation hubs.

The Luxury Division sat down with some of the transcontinental regions’ top luxury agents to discover the commonalities and differences between them, and learned whether east versus west, or north versus south, the luxury tech hub demands our attention.

“Sometimes, a mansion bought for cash closes in one week.”

Silicon Valley. The name alone elicits optimism and exploration, and imagery of start-up entrepreneurs and cutting edge technologies. Apple, Google, Meta, Netflix, Salesforce and Twitter are among the thousands of high tech companies headquartered in Silicon Valley, it is no wonder Elon Musk declared, “I just think people from Silicon Valley can do anything.” (1) Beyond the premier intellectual capital of its population, the region boasts enviable year-round sunshine, outstanding opportunities for outdoor enjoyment, with its terrific drivability to Lake Tahoe for skiing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and beach towns like Carmel along the Pacific Ocean.

The city of Cupertino is the unofficial nerve center of Silicon Valley as it is home to Apple headquarters, otherwise known as Apple Park or “The Spaceship” due to its massive circular design. Luxury real estate in the region begins here, housing Apple employees and executives who have relocated from across the globe. Compass - Silicon Valley agent Mary Tan explains, “Cupertino is an incredible cultural melting pot of people from overseas moving here for its convenience to Apple Park. There are countless dialects and international shops and restaurants. Cupertino is very proud of its diversity and the enrichment it brings to our residents.”

With respect to the homes of the luxury tech hub of Cupertino, one in-demand feature is guest quarters, either as an en suite bedroom on the main floor or a separate guest residence on the property. “Most buyers require a place for parents and grandparents to comfortably stay for extended visits. Multigenerational living is key.” Swimming pools, high level finishes, views of the valley and walk-to-town are other desirable elements. Interesting to note is these multimillion dollar home purchases are often paid for entirely in cash. “Being from overseas, these buyers have not yet had a chance to build credit in the United States,” Mary shares. “This means exceedingly quick transaction times. Sometimes, a mansion bought for cash closes in one week.”

“It’s the epicenter of people coming together to literally change the world.”

For those in search of a quieter lifestyle, Saratoga and Los Gatos are beautiful, sophisticated  bedroom communities tucked alongside the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering much more than an easy commute to Netflix, Google and Apple headquarters. (Steve Wozniak is a Los Gatos

resident, among many other notable top executives.) Jennifer Oldham of Compass - Silicon Valley shares insight, starting with Saratoga. “Luxury in Saratoga is wonderfully understated and quaint, with wineries and fine dining, and a downtown that’s just a one-lane road leading up into the mountains. The higher up you go, the more dramatic the views to the Bay Bridge, which is magical when it’s lit up at night.” Jennifer’s husband and partner Andrew Oldham of Compass - Silicon Valley adds, “While generally peaceful and quiet at night, Saratoga hosts outstanding wine and food festivals. It also offers excellent value with respect to luxury real estate. Six or seven million dollars goes quite far as compared to the rest of the San Francisco Peninsula.”

For a similar small town feel with livelier culture and nightlife, Los Gatos is the place to be. Andrew explains, “The Los Gatos parks are gorgeous, and its downtown scene has been growing. ‘Music in the Park’ and ‘Jazz on the Plazz' are local favorites, along with the ‘Los Gatos Art & Wine Festival’. Also, remember that Netflix is headquartered here, so lots of their shows are filmed here.” Jennifer chimes in, “The Saratoga and Los Gatos luxury lifestyle is also so deeply tied to their easy access to cycling, surfing, skiing and hiking. You even have Big Basin Redwoods Park a short drive away. It’s an epicenter of Northern California activities, and it’s the epicenter of people coming together to literally change the world.”

“Everyday is a staycation.”

For those in search of the golf and country club lifestyle, journey further east to Silver Creek, with a highly in-demand luxury tech hub centered around the Silver Creek Valley Country Club. Nicki Brown of Compass - Silicon Valley has lived and sold homes in the Silver Creek enclave for over twenty years, and still marvels at its beauty and amenities as if she was an smitten newcomer. “Being able to enjoy this level of privacy and luxury lifestyle in such close proximity to downtown San Jose and the tech headquarters of Silicon Valley is such a privilege. Our community offers championship golf, tennis and fitness facilities. It’s no wonder top pro athletes like some of the San Francisco 49ers choose to make Silver Creek their home.”

“We offer something for everyone.”

In addition to its exceptional high tech environment and intellectual capital at its three universities, the Triangle has enviable cultural attractions, from a serious foodie scene to the North Carolina Symphony and Durham Performing Arts Center, from the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes to the ever-popular local college sports teams. “We offer something for everyone,” beams Gretchen Coley, “and with so much talent relocating here, our population has become remarkably diverse. We are a true melting pot.” Not to be overlooked is the Triangle’s stellar healthcare, another driving force bringing newcomers. Gretchen Castorina underscores, “The Triangle has one of the nation’s highest concentrations of health care professionals, and its medical care is ranked among the best in the world.”(4)

“And the Triangle is ranked among the best places in the nation to live, too,” (5) adds David Worters. “The media discovered us, the tech industry discovered us, and our luxury tech hub just keeps getting better and better.” 

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